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I mentioned earlier that our reception costs were worked out on a per-head figure, but of course we still have the (zillions of) other wedding-related costs to think about in our budget.
The cost of an average Australian wedding, according to this survey, came to $39,114. Now this is in Australian dollars, which at the moment thanks to the crazy currency-conversion rates, is pretty much 1:1 (or thereabouts) with the US dollar. Excuse me while I faint. Of course, you can only rely so much on surveys for accurate results, and there are certain things to take into consideration: expensive cities, type of population surveyed, what is being included within that price cost, e.g., honeymoon, pre-wedding activities, etc., but that is a whopping great number—and it seems to be a LOT bigger than even quite a few US averages I’ve seen floating around the interwebs.
{Source}
Isn’t Australian currency beautiful? So shiny and pretty and colourful. I’ve missed it!
I’ve mentioned before that Momma and Papa Jaguar have graciously offered a contribution to the wedding—nearly all of which is going towards a percentage of our wedding reception itself. Mr. Jaguar and I are currently working out what amount our own personal wedding budget will be; we’re hoping to keep our own portion to around $10,000. These are the essentials that we either haven’t yet paid for or are still needing to budget for:
I’m currently putting the word out to friends and family to see what resources we might be able to utilise in terms of “knowing someone” in any of those fields. I’m fairly sure we’ll have a few contacts for things like the wedding cake and possibly the makeup, but there are still quite a few areas where we’ll have to do our research with quotes and shopping around.
Am I missing something major off our budget list so far? What were your essentials?
The rings! I almost left them off our budget also! Our (Adelaide) wedding will end up costing about $24,000 for 100 at a vineyard in the Adelaide Hills. I think we’ve done well with our budget but have cut out live music, cars and a bridal party altogether.
@Laura: Ah, so true! I always (always!) forget to add mine on, since it’s bought already - but we still need to buy one for Mr. Jag. Thanks! I think you’ve done well!
If you’re staying in an hotel the night of your wedding– need to book that.
Flights– honeymoon, if you’re flying.
The place I’m having my wedding at makes me rent linens, so if you need that as well…
Just a few things here and there to remind you of
@slmaynard: Ya, I’m putting off honeymoon for now.. especially since we’re currently still travelling, so seems weird to think about MORE travelling right now!
Nice one on the reminder for wedding night accommodation. I have a sneaky habit of not including things we’ve already purchased/booked. Naughty Jaguar.
I don’t know if this would be considered major but I do have a line item in my budget for tips. Round these parts you have to tip everybody so I put it in my budget and determined a figure I didn’t want to go over.
@katsupgirl: Great advice! Tipping isn’t customary in Australia (with the exception of great service in restaurants) so I’ve left that off our budget. Would make total sense to add to yours though, good thinking.
My wedding is this weekend in Perth’s Swan Valley, and will cost us AUD$25,000.
That is for 140 guests at Ceremony and Afternoon Tea, then 70 at the Reception and it includes hooneymoon, rings, flowers, DJ, cakes, wedding transport for our 10 persom bridal party too and all those other lovely things you mentioned….
Seems bloody expensive to me! But not so bad now I’ve read your average figure! LOL. I feel quite proud now actually, that I’ve kept the price so low!
@Sarah: For 140 people AND including a honeymoon, that sounds pretty good! We’re trying to keep ours under 100 for cost reasons.. so hard!
@momof7: STD have been free so far (freebies on Vistaprint) but invites are still up for consideration - thanks for the reminder!
great post, jaguar. the great things is that hair, makeup, flowers and gifts can be super affordable if you work with your florist on in season florals, find cute items by small designers on etsy {or even better - diy!} and get some personal referrals on hair/makeup. you can definitely do it!
Mr. O and i won’t have cars and our hair/makeup is free {thank goodness for creative friends!} but we had to remember to factor in alterations for my dress and Mr. O’s suit and we do have a DOC.
i wish we had rainbow currency like australia - so jealous! 
@Miss Ostrich: I’m doing my best for referrals on hair and makeup. Fingers crossed!
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Mrs. Jaguar, Sydney Age and Occupation: 27, Primary School Teacher Fiance's Age and Occupation: 29, IT Consultant Engagement Date: August 8, 2009 Wedding Date: June 2011 Venue: Curzon Hall About Me: I'm an Australian girl who is a self-proclaimed nerd, loves all things stationery and would be lost without books, music and the internet. Mr. Jaguar and I have been together for the past eight years and he finally popped the question last August. Hurrah! We currently live in Sydney, Australia with our adorable cat who thinks he's a person. We're a couple who likes to multi-task: we've been planning a wedding abroad, a permanent move from London to Sydney, and preparing to build our own home all at the same time. Travelling makes me giddy...as does Mr. Jaguar, of course!
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